Parmelee Hill Road, south side

Built on a level terrace on the eastern slope of Parmelee Hill and shaded by large pines, the Willis I. Parmelee House is located in a rapidly developing residential neighborhood.

  • Record ID: 161
  • Address: Parmelee Hill Road, south side
  • Current Owner: Parmelee, Richard C.
  • Name of Building:
  • Historic Name: Willis I. Parmelee House
  • Download PDF of Original Record

Notable Features

The three-bay facade features a balustraded veranda with centered pediment above the main entrance. The porch as it wraps around the east side is enclosed and on the southeast corner features an enclosed screened porch. The facade door surround exhibits a moulded cornice supported by fluted pilasters. The elegant entrance door
displays a full-length oval glass pane. Large attic dormers are featured on all slopes of the roof and the one-over-one sash are set in plain trim. topped with a simple moulded cornice. A large barn with slate roof is located to the south of the house.

Historical or Architectural Importance

Prominently situated upon Parmelee Hill overlooking the valley to the east is the Willis I. Parmelee House. Erected in 1909-1910, this 2 1/2 story Colonial Revival
dwelling is topped with a slate-shingled, hip roof. The clapboarded balloon frame is supported by a traprock foundation.
In 1909 prominent cattle dealer/farmer Willis Isaac Parmelee (1861-1935) hired Elijah Crawford, a contractor from Hudson Falls, New York, to erect a new home on the site of the Old Parmelee homestead. The house was completed within a year at the cost of $3000 and boasted such modern conveniences as gas lights and indoor bathrooms. Parmelee, the son of Frederick and Caroline (Blair) Parmelee, married Esther Elliot Clark in 1912. Successful in farming and cattle driving, Parmelee also sold timber and imported slate, sleds, wagons and maple syrup from Vermont. Active in the Republican party, he served as a town selectman and assessor and was an ardent member of the Grange. The house is now owned by Mr. Parmelee’s eldest son.
The most imposing property in the area, the Willis I. Parmelee house is an excellent example of the Colonial Revival-style architecture in Durham and reflects the wealth
and ingenuity of a prosperous early twentieth-century farmer, Willis I. Parmelee.